Invisalign

Invisalign or Braces?

A Comparison

Invisalign or Braces – Which might be better for you? The following table gives you an overview of Dr. Hamersky's opinion whether Braces or Invisalign are of superior benefit or relatively equal as a treatment method. Use these only as guidelines as it applies to treatment here at Douglas County Orthodontics. Not all these comparative results may apply at other dental or orthodontic providers.

Invisalign

Fixed Braces

Relatively Equal

COST

X

TREATMENT TIME

X

SUPERIOR RESULTS

X

COMFORT

X

CAVITIES & GUM DISEASE

XX

INJURIES & IRRITATIONS

XX

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE

X

COMPLIANCE DEMANDS

XX

AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE

X

INSURANCE COVERAGE

X

*XX - means there is a significant benefit of one method over the other

Cost

The reality for most people is this is the biggest decision maker. Not any more at Douglas County Orthodontics, contrary to many other Invisalign providers, we generally charge a very similar fee whether you choose Invisalign or fixed braces to meet your orthodontic needs. We want your decision of what type of braces best fits your needs to not be influenced by cost.

Treatment Time

Tooth movement is very unique to each individual and therefore impossible to be sure which is faster. It is Dr Hamersky's opinion that there is no significant time difference between braces and Invisalign and should not be a decision making factor. We will give you a personalized estimate of your treatment time in advance.

Superior Final Results

Fixed braces have been the standard of care for years and have always given orthodontists the most effective way to straighten your teeth. The recent advancements in Invisalign (Invisalign Teen and the complete redesign upgrade to Invisalign Generation 3); Invisalign is now producing the same superior results previously only achieved with braces. Dr. Hamersky now believes the overall effectiveness of Invisalign is equal to braces in virtually all cases.

Comfort

Generally speaking, pain is not a big problem in orthodontics today with all the new techniques. Yet it is Dr. Hamersky's experience that there are less complaints or reports of pain from our patients wearing Invisalign verses patients wearing fixed braces.

Cavities and Gun Disease

This is where Invisalign “shines”. The Invis-Aligners are removable from the mouth for cleaning, flossing and brushing. The braces are not…nothing more needs to be said. This alone can be the sole deciding factor for some people including many teenagers to choose Invisalign.

Injuries and Irritations

Again, another obvious big advantage Invisalign has over braces. Invisalign is just smoother than fixed braces. Consequently, braces are more likely to rub raw spots on your cheeks and gums, as well as be the cause of injury if the mouth area is bumped or bruised.

Social Acceptance

Most of you would agree, Invisalign is more socially acceptable but actually this is really your personal opinion. How important it is for you to hide or display your orthodontic braces or Invisalign is your choice. Thankfully, the world is made up of all types, those that proudly display a mouth full of braces and others who will not even smile with Invisalign in.

Compliance Demands

If Invisalign is not worn virtually full-time everyday for any reason…IT WILL NOT WORK. Be brutally honest with yourself and your teenagers…if there is a concern about forgetting, loosing or simply choosing not to wear the Invis-Aligner, your treatment will fail. There are certainly compliance requirements with braces but not quite so devastating to the outcome.

Available for Everyone

Invisalign simply cannot be used on most children under the age of 13 because many of their permanent teeth are not yet present. Invisalign Teen has addressed that issue to some extent for the younger teenager. There are also certain extreme orthodontic problems that Invisalign is just not suited for at this time. These limitations are fully explained and addressed at your very first consultation with Dr. Hamersky.

Orthodontic Dental Insurance

Unfortunately, there are certain Insurance Programs that require us to charge differently or provide no coverage for Invisalign. Our expert insurance staff will work with you and your insurance plan to maximize your insurance benefits. We will find out for you in advance of beginning treatment so there are no surprises.